An interesting article I came across on the effects of cyber bullies. If this post annoys you, I'd suggest you click on your name, and choose the option at the bottom of viewing your last 40 posts. Are the posts positive, supportive and productive? Do they seek to help those in pain, direct them to useful resources? Or are they sarcastic, mean spirited, and serve only to amuse you? Do you find you have to justify your posts with statements like, "Somebody had to say it-Oh they're just thin skinned-I was only kidding around-Can't they take a joke?"

Bullies on Internet discussion forums

Forum bullying or cyber bullying has become a widespread issue throughout the Internet.  As a former moderator I've encountered it in it's various guises many times.  As one of the powers that be, it was difficult enough dealing with the usual spammers and trolls, but that was nothing compared to having to deal with already established members with high post counts and years of knowing each other in that forum.
The term 'regulars' has gained notoriety over the years on all kinds of forums.  That's where the bullies are easier to spot.  To an outsider or a lurker, it can be a bit intimidating submitting a post as a newbie.  Not knowing all the ins and outs and who knows who, it can be a bit daunting. 

To give an example, I posted a complaint on the my3cents consumer site last April regarding issues that I had with my bank, Chase.  After lurking on some of the forums on this site I knew which regulars gave out sound advice and which ones were there just to flame new posters.  So in response to my post I got four comments, three of these were sanctimonious and opinionated.  I posted back somewhat sarcastically with "Thanks for the pontificating, dogmatic, sage, etc. advice!" which resulted in 'full mod status' being put on my user account.  This basically meant from then on my posts had to be reviewed by a panel of administrators before being published.

Anyway, being crippled by the powers that be, I could no longer fight back and watched as regulars were only civil to each and downright nasty to newbies.  The unwritten rules were that the newcomers had to endure these nasty comments without reprisal.  The bullies knew how to get around the censorship and avoided talking with you, or PMing you if you hadn't been 'broken in yet'.  I also became aware a certain amount of favouritism displayed by administrators from the start.  In any particular heated debate with a regular and a newbie, they would side with the regular.


Joe

The sad part is that many flamed the hardest were among those who needed our help the most. Fortunately things are much, much better today and compassion for fellow CHeads and supporters can over-ride egos and ignorance.

A shame that ch.com must be policed but it's for a cause greater than any indiviual here.

DJ for President,

Brian.

Awww, you big weenie!  er, ah, I mean meanie.